Police investigate officer-involved shooting at S. Phoenix market

PHOENIX -- Police are investigating a shooting at a south Phoenix market involving an off-duty Buckeye police officer.

Police said the 38-year-old officer, part-owner of La Esquina Market near Third Avenue and Alta Vista Road, was working the cash register when a man pointed a gun at him.

Police said shots were fired but no one was struck. They were investigating who pulled the trigger first.

According to Phoenix police spokesman Sgt. Tommy Thompson, the man was apparently trying to rob the market.

Two children, ages 10 and 11, were reportedly in the store at the time of the shooting.

Police are still searching for the suspect. He is believed to be in his 20s, about 5 feet 7 inches to 5 feet 8 inches tall and 140 to 150 pounds. He had a close-cut hairstyle and was wearing a black T-shirt and black shorts.

Anyone with information about the identity or whereabouts of the suspect is asked to contact the Phoenix Police Department Violent Crimes Bureau at 602-252-6141 or Silent Witness at 480-WITNESS or 480-TESTIGO for Spanish.